Far Hills New Jersey
Far Hills is a borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, located in the central portion of the state approximately 30 miles west of New York City. The community covers approximately 6.1 square miles and is characterized by its rural, residential character with large estates, horse farms, and open spaces that distinguish it from the more densely developed surrounding areas. As of the 2020 United States Census, Far Hills had a population of approximately 1,306 residents, making it one of the less densely populated municipalities in its county. The borough is known for its equestrian heritage, preserved natural landscapes, and affluent residential community. It is part of the Somerset County region and serves as a commuter community for residents working in nearby urban centers, particularly New York City and Newark.
History
Far Hills was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement in the region. The area was gradually incorporated into colonial New Jersey as settlers moved westward from the coastal regions during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The name "Far Hills" refers to the rolling topography of the region, which features elevated terrain with distant views across the landscape. Much of the early settlement pattern in the area reflected agricultural and pastoral uses, with farms and estates comprising the primary land development until the twentieth century.
The borough of Far Hills was officially incorporated on March 5, 1903, following the pattern of other Somerset County communities that sought to establish independent municipal governance during the municipal reorganization period of early twentieth-century New Jersey. The incorporation came during a period of development in the region, driven partly by improved transportation connections and the desire of affluent families to establish residential retreats outside the congested urban areas.[1] The early twentieth century saw the establishment of large estates and horse farms as wealthy families from New York and Newark established country residences in the area. This pattern of estate development has continued to characterize the borough's character and demographic profile through the present day.
Geography
Far Hills occupies an area of approximately 6.1 square miles within Somerset County's generally rolling landscape. The terrain of the borough features the characteristic hills and valleys that gave the community its name, with elevations varying across the municipality. The area is drained by several small streams and tributaries that form part of the broader Raritan River watershed system. Native vegetation includes mixed hardwood forests, meadows, and the landscaped grounds of the numerous estates throughout the borough.
The climate of Far Hills is typical of central New Jersey, with warm summers and moderately cold winters. The area receives approximately 46 inches of annual precipitation distributed throughout the year, with occasional significant snowfall during winter months. The soil composition reflects glacial influences from the Pleistocene epoch, with generally well-drained soils suitable for both agricultural and residential development. The borough's commitment to preserving open space and limiting development density has protected much of its original natural character and prevented the type of dense suburban development seen in many other New Jersey communities.
Culture
The cultural life of Far Hills reflects its character as an affluent, residential community with strong traditions related to equestrian activities and outdoor recreation. The borough has long been known for its horse farms and equestrian facilities, and many residents maintain active involvement with horseback riding, horse shows, and other equestrian pursuits. The Somerset Hills area, of which Far Hills is a part, has developed a reputation for being one of the premier equestrian regions in New Jersey and the northeastern United States.[2]
Community events and activities in Far Hills tend toward small-scale, neighborhood-oriented gatherings rather than large public festivals. The borough maintains several parks and recreational areas that serve residents, and the commitment to open space preservation provides opportunities for walking, nature appreciation, and outdoor activities. Arts and cultural activities are often centered around county-level institutions rather than borough-specific venues, though residents have access to various cultural facilities in nearby communities such as Bernardsville and Morristown.
Economy
The economy of Far Hills is characterized primarily by residential real estate, with the borough functioning essentially as a bedroom community for residents employed in New York City, Newark, and other regional employment centers. The borough has minimal commercial or industrial activity within its borders, reflecting the deliberate zoning and land use policies that have preserved its residential and estate character. Property values in Far Hills remain among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting the desirability of the community and the scarcity of available land due to development restrictions.
The tax base of the borough is heavily dependent on residential property taxes, which provide the primary source of municipal revenue. The absence of substantial commercial or industrial development means that the borough must carefully manage its finances through property tax assessments on residential properties. The cost of municipal services in Far Hills, including excellent school facilities and infrastructure maintenance, supports the high property tax rates found in the community.[3] Local employment opportunities are limited, with most economic activity concentrated in the few service businesses that serve the residential population.
Education
Far Hills is served by the Far Hills School District, which operates a single elementary school serving students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The school has maintained a strong reputation for academic excellence and maintains relatively small class sizes compared to many New Jersey public schools. The district's per-pupil spending is among the highest in the state, reflecting the affluent character of the community and its commitment to educational quality.
Students from Far Hills attending junior and senior high school are served by the Bernards Township School District, a cooperative arrangement that serves several municipalities in the Somerset Hills area. The district operates two high schools—Bernards High School and Ridge High School—that serve students from multiple communities including Far Hills, Bernardsville, and Bernards Township. This regionalized secondary education system allows the borough to maintain a small, intimate elementary school while providing comprehensive secondary education facilities. Many residents also choose to send their children to private schools in the region or to boarding schools located elsewhere in the northeastern United States.
Attractions
Far Hills offers limited public attractions, as the borough has deliberately preserved its private, residential character. Much of the recreational value of the borough derives from its natural landscapes, horse farms, and estate grounds. The borough maintains several parks and natural areas that provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation, including walking trails and green spaces.
The Somerset Hills in general, of which Far Hills is a central part, offers numerous attractions in nearby communities. The region is known for scenic beauty, and the preservation of open space has created extensive networks of trails and riding paths used by residents of Far Hills and surrounding communities. The proximity to other Somerset County attractions, including museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions in Morristown and Bernardsville, provides residents with access to regional amenities without requiring residence within an urban center.